This site last updated 03.2004

Because some bears, as a result of their interaction with human kind, can become very skillful at finding and eating human food. They may develop into "problem bears", as referred to by authorities and lay people alike. Which often may lead to punitive action by authorities including relocation & occasionally and unfortunately the bears ultimate demise. "A fed bear is a dead bear".   I have therefore decided to include some basic information, on proper back country bear (Make that human) etiquette.

Having Backpacked hundreds of trail miles in the Sierras, and large portions of the Yosemite back country.   The best information I have found, through my extensive research and practical wilderness experience including several face to face first hand encounters, suggests that most bears (particularly Black Bears) are mainly hungry opportunists looking for a few "easy" calories to sustain them through their long winter hibernation period.   Pay particular attention if you may be in an area where Brown Bears or Polar Bears may be found, as these species are known to be present a higher risk of danger to humans.   Remember that bears represent the top of the local food chain, including humans. It's their home you're visiting. I hope the following tips help you behave like a proper guest.

The best rule of thumb is " KEEP YOUR DISTANCE" and they will reciprocate. Do's: Proper food storage is essential. Do plan ahead and don't leave excess food in your vehicle. Do read your wilderness permits about local conditions. Do use only approved methods of food storage. Do some homework on proper food storage techniques. & buy or rent a bear can if backpacking. Do store your garbage & toilet items with your food in separate containers and use an approved method of storage. Do use "bear boxes" or "cans" (Now required in Yosemite.) or try the cables/poles available in the more popular sites. Do follow the written instructions in your Wilderness Permit and information package for proper storage techniques. When obtaining your wilderness permits, ask local authorities what the requirements are in the areas you'll be seeing. Do speak to the local rangers about bear activity in the area you plan to visit. These people have the information you need, listen carefully and follow their directions. Do where ever possible prepare all meals well away from your camps sleeping area, at least 100 ft. Do speak to the local rangers first & where permitted, carry pepper spray if they advise you. Information on pepper spray.                  Don'ts: Don't try to get a "closer look" by approaching a bear. Never try to corner a bear for any reason. Never attempt to feed a wild bear. (Or any wild animals). Remember a fed bear is a dead bear! Never leave your food unattended or stored improperly, for even the briefest of times, (i.e. your backpack or food sack). Don't prepare any food, or leave any garbage or items with strong odors, (i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, fishing tackle, bait etc.) in or around your campsite. Don't keep snacks in your tent, even gum. Wherever possible particularly in Yosemite, use the food lockers provided & never store food in your vehicle. If you must leave food in your vehicle put it in the trunk or cover it. Generally out of sight is out of mind. (Some areas even this won't be sufficient)

Do's: Keep a cool head at all times If there are 2 or more of you, stand close together to appear more imposing. Make loud noises, such as shouting or clanging Pots and Pans together. Try to avoid direct eye contact. Bears seem to find this threatening behavior. Keep a good supply of rocks handy in camp. (Near your tent door at night). Defend your food stores. It only encourages bears to pilfer if you don't. Throw rocks near the bears. Do not try to hurt the bears! Report any bear encounters to the proper authorities. (I.e. park/forest ranger, game warden etc.). Don'ts: Don't try to get a "closer look" by approaching a bear. Particularly if attempting a photo opportunity. (Use a zoom lens.) Don't turn your back or run. (You'll look like food)! Never try to recover your food from a bear once they have gotten to it.

Again try to keep a cool head at all times. Yell for help, it may be closer than you think. Stop drop and cover your neck just like the civil defense drill you learned in school. Most of your vitals are easier to get to from the front so stay on your stomach. Roll back to your stomach if the bear turns you over. If the bear persists, and only as a last resort, resist with all your might. Try to grab a stick or a rock, a knife or whatever you have, and fight for your life. Your survival could depend on your fiercenes.

Bear Incidents in Yosemite National Park --2002-- Damage reports in the backcountry: 130 Humans injured: 0 Bears captured: 35 Bears relocated: 5 Bears killed for management reasons: 1 Bears injured by vehicles: 12 Bears killed by vehicles: 4 Total number of bear incidents: 559 Total amount of property damage: $85,303 Damage reports in the frontcountry: 429 Damage reports in parking areas: 175 Damage reports in campgrounds: 190 Damage reports in other areas: 64 Total number of vehicles damaged: 176 Damage reports in the backcountry: 130 Total number of bear incidents: 559 Total amount of property damage: $85,303 These numbers reflect only those incidents that were reported. Actual numbers of damage reports and bears injured or killed by vehicles are higher. For more information look at the Yosemite bear activity report (updated weekly) here.

Follow these links to learn more about bears & behavior. USFS Bear Safety Glacier National Park bear information. Polar Bear Safety North American Bear Center THE BEARS DEN Smokey the bear Bear safety in Alaska Beare Safety Boy Scout Style

Buy this book @Amazon.com Synopsis: Stephen Herrero is a leading authority on bears and bear attacks. I would recommend this book to anyone seriously interested in bear behavior. Buy this book @Amazon.com Synopsis:This handy pack sized book contains the essential tips. It's written for beginners and experts as well. Buy this book @Amazon.com Synopsis:Offers detailed, comprehensive & practical information on how to travel and camp safely in bear country. Like to view some of my wilderness photos? Questions or Comments? E-mail to: Disclaimer This site is intended only as a general, common sense information resource. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in this information. 3Bears.net assumes no responsibility for any injuries or property damage resulting from any human-bear interactions. © All rights reserved © 3Bears.net 1997, 2004